Mexican states compete for tourists amid violence concerns

Mexican states are employing diverse strategies to attract visitors and major events, simultaneously working to counter the negative impact of violence and perceptions of insecurity on their tourism industries. Jalisco, for instance, has seen a decline in American tourists following travel advisories issued after security incidents, including the military operation that resulted in the death of a CJNG leader. However, the state reports increased visitors from Spain, the United Kingdom, Germany, Colombia, and South Korea. Miguel Andrés Hernández, Jalisco's undersecretary of Tourism, stated that security presence has been reinforced, and all scheduled events proceeded, with some being postponed but none canceled.

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We have reinforced the presence of municipal, state, and federal authorities in the state, as well as surveillance infrastructure and coordination through a committee headed by Governor Pablo Lemus.

In Sinaloa, officials are focusing on promoting Mazatlán, Culiacán, and Los Mochis for conventions and sports tourism, alongside highlighting its "pueblos mágicos" and "pueblos señoriales." This effort comes after a resurgence of violence linked to internal conflicts within the Sinaloa Cartel, following the extradition of a key leader and accusations of drug trafficking against authorities. Similarly, Michoacán acknowledges isolated violent incidents but asserts that tourists have not been directly impacted. The state continues to host events like the International Film Festival and promote the monarch butterfly migration, collaborating with federal tourism bodies.

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The promotion has not stopped.

Morelos is actively trying to reshape its narrative, differentiating between actual insecurity and public perception. Fernanda Gaxiola, head of state tourism, emphasized the need to modify the perception of the destination as particularly dangerous. These states are investing in promotional campaigns, reinforcing security, and diversifying their markets to ensure the continuity of their tourism sectors amidst ongoing challenges.

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Tourists have never been directly affected.